Witness: Michael Jackson passed medical exam 'with flying colors'

Jackson trial verdictMichael Jackson fans from left, Karlene Taylor, Yvonne Francis, Latrenda White and Jamie Lee, speak out against AEG Live. A jury found Wednesday that AEG Live was not liable in the death of the pop superstar. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times /October 2, 2013)

The Jackson family contends that AEG negligently hired and controlled Murray and pushed the singer beyond his physical limits for their own profit. Murray is serving jail time for involuntary manslaughter.

Jessica Stebbins Bina, an attorney representing AEG, pointed out in the courtroom that the list of insurers’ concerns did not include drugs, painkillers, alcohol or sleep disorders.

She also walked Trell through the differences between AEG employees and the independent contractors who are primarily hired for tours. Trell previously testified that AEG had not looked into Murray’s history because he was an independent contractor and known to Jackson.

“It would be misplaced or misguided for us to inject ourselves into the affairs of an artist,” Trell said.

It was Jackson who requested Murray, Trell said, and he believed the two had worked together for three years prior.

During his three days on the witness stand, Trell has testified that he knew nothing about reports of Jackson’s erratic behavior or gaunt figure and has characterized the relationship between the singer and AEG as supportive and complementary.

In addition to the tour contract between Jackson and AEG, Trell said the two also had an agreement that proposed developing up to three film projects together, one of which was related to his “Thriller” video.

When nothing was developed by the agreement’s June 1, 2009, deadline, AEG sent a proposed amendment to extend that date to Jackson’s representatives, Trell said.

“I think the interest was still there on Mr. Jackson’s side and I know we were interested in helping him realize what he wanted to accomplish,” Trell said.